Weyburn

Testing ground and surface water sources can help determine if there are contaminants present that can affect animal health and production. In Saskatchewan, common contaminants include sulfate, sodium, nitrate, and iron. Stagnant surface water sources that experience nutrient-loading may be susceptible to blue-green algae, which can produce toxins that are unsafe for livestock.

The Prairie Pest Monitoring Network report shows flea beetle activity is getting started across the prairies. The warm weather seems to have brought them out of overwintering locations. So far it seems crucifer flea beetles are more prevalent than the striped flea beetles.

CAPI report says data strategies in agriculture need to be a 10-year national priority

Digital agriculture should be a national strategic priority with focused funding in the next federal-provincial-territorial policy agreement to help drive farmer-level adoption, says a new report from the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute.

CAPI collaborated with EMILI, a non-profit Manitoba organization focused on digital agriculture proving and adoption.

A former Prime Minister once quipped from the campaign trail that “an election is no time to talk about serious issues”. When it comes to providing opportunities for Canadians, however, policy matters far more than partisan politics. We have had a federal election, and a Cabinet has been appointed. We now need the government to have a laser-like focus on the fundamentals of good policy.

The Southeast College Weyburn Campus Class of 2025 celebrated their academic achievements at the graduation ceremony held yesterday afternoon. 

The Ocean Man First Nation Youth Drummers welcomed the graduates, drumming as they mounted the stage. A welcome and opening prayer followed, as well as messages delivered by City of Weyburn Councillor Larry Heggs, College President and CEO Jodi Holzmiller, and a board representative. MLA for Weyburn-Bengough was slated to speak as well but was unable to attend due to the wildfires.

The Saskatchewan Search Dog Association (SSDA) is raising funds while promoting canine health. Hosted by Flying C Veterinary Services, they’re offering a one-day canine first aid course aimed at equipping dog owners to care for their canine friends in an emergency.  

President of the SSDA Cliff Erhardt says the course teaches handlers to recognize when there is a problem, stabilize their dog while seeking veterinary attention and provide strategies to prevent injury and illness from worsening. He recommends all dog owners participate. 

The Cymri 4H Beef Club received a $500 grant from Farm Credit Canada, which was put to use early last month. 

According to a release sent by club reporter Olivia Peterson, the funds went to purchase supplies including wood, screws and paint, to build four utility boxes that will hold grooming supplies for team grooming or preparing animals for show. On May 4th, the club members met to build the boxes. 

Thanks is extended to Andrew Felskie for preparing the wood and supplies, and to FCC for their generosity and support.  

Tourism Saskatchewan celebrated Tourism Week last week, which gave Weyburn Tourism a great reason to present some local businesses with fun awards.

Winnipeg hotels were opening up Monday to evacuees who fled their homes due to raging wildfires, while to the west in Saskatchewan, thousands more were ordered to flee.

The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency issued an alert late Monday afternoon, saying the northern town of La Ronge had ordered an evacuation as fire had breached its airport.

The agency said flames were fast-moving and that people in the community of 2,500, as well as anyone within 20 kilometres, including nearby Air Ronge and the Lac La Ronge Indian Band, had to leave immediately.

Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree is expected to introduce a bill today spelling out the federal government's next steps on border security.

The recent throne speech promised legislation to bolster security at Canada's borders and new tools for police and intelligence agencies to help them stop the flow of deadly fentanyl and its precursors.

The government also said the Canada Border Services Agency will be given new powers to examine goods destined for export to prevent the movement of illegal and stolen products, including cars.